Smoking is a well-established risk factor for hearing loss. Studies have shown that time and again exposure to cigarette smoke--whether directly, secondhand, or even in utero--can have a big impact on a person's hearing health. Read more

Thanks to a mental process called habituation, you can get to a place where your tinnitus stops bothering you entirely, where your brain just stops paying attention to it and it fades from your awareness. Read more

Hearing loss and aging: Your questions answered

It's normal to experience loss of hearing due to aging. While it can be hard to accept that hearing changes with age, knowing why it happens and what to do about it is an important first step to better hearing.2019954Hearing loss and aging: Your questions answeredhttps://www.healthyhearing.com/report/37644-Aging-causes-hearing-loss

It's normal to experience loss of hearing due to aging. While it can be hard to accept, knowing why hearing loss occurs and what to do about it is an important first step to better hearing—and a better quality of life.

Hearing aids can improve hearing loss
related to aging.

How does age affect hearing?

Age-related hearing loss is known medically as presbycusis. As we age, the tiny hair cells in our inner ears—which are responsible for producing sound—gradually stop working as well for some of us. These tiny hair cells are responsible for triggering pulses in the auditory nerve, which delivers sound signals to the brain.

Other things that can make our hearing deteriorate as we get older include:

Age also affects our outer ears in a couple of different ways. First, they continue to grow (or at least stretch) as we age--yes, you read that right. That growth will not affect your hearing ability unless you already wear hearing aids. Over time, the fit of your hearing aids may become looser and the whistling known as feedback may occur. If the feedback becomes bothersome, see your hearing healthcare professional for adjustments. Some of us may also notice more earwax building up in our ear canals as we age. This is a common cause of hearing loss that can be resolved by a quick cleaning of your ear canals by your primary care physician or hearing care professional.

What age does hearing loss begin?

Our ears are affected by the aging process in much the same way as other organs. Everyone ages differently but generally, by the time you reach your 60s, your ability to hear may not be as sharp as it once was. It happens so gradually, most of us don't notice the loss until it starts to cause trouble in our ability to easily understand conversation with family and friends.

What is the typical pattern of hearing loss caused by age?

Hearing loss caused by age often has a specific pattern. Higher frequency sounds, or pitches, such as words that end in "s" (like "this"), are often harder to hear than lower pitch sounds, such as words that end in "at" (like "that"). Also, you may have problems understanding women's and children's voices but have an easier time with men's voices, for the same reason.

If you have a hearing exam, your audiogram results will likely show a slope downward from left to right.

Will I know if I'm having trouble hearing?

Hearing problems can occur very gradually—you might not even realize you're missing out on important sounds and conversations. But a strong signal to get help is when your spouse, family members or coworkers suggest you get hearing aids.

Is ringing in ears common?

Ringing in the ears, or tinnitus, is a common symptom or side effect of age-related hearing loss. If you are experiencing ringing, buzzing or whooshing sounds in your ears, it is time to have your hearing tested.

Does hearing loss mean my brain isn't working as well?

The brain’s role in hearing is to process information that the ear detects. A younger brain zips through this task quickly, but an older brain may be slower to process language and sounds. Difficulty recognizing words in loud settings is a common concern for older people, and research suggests this may be due to age-related structural changes in the brain.

What can I do about hearing changes with age?

Exercise and a healthy diet can slow the
onset of diseases that affect hearing.

Besides getting fitted with hearing aids, you can take measures to slow down the onset of some illnesses that affect hearing, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Lifestyle choices such as healthy nutrition rich in vitamins and antioxidants, regular exercise, and a smoke-free environment also go a long way. Online brain training games and hobbies like crossword puzzles or card games with friends can help keep your brain engaged.

Hearing aids provide benefits for any older adult with hearing loss, including those in assisted living and nursing homes. If you are a caretaker of an older adult, you'll also want to know these tips for hearing aid care in nursing homes.

Will hearing aids make me look old?

Some people worry that hearing aids make them look old. However, we'd argue that the label often applies to people who crank up the TV to unbearable levels, or who cup their ears and ask "What???" all the time.

Instead, here are two ways to fight that stigma: Lower the volume and get fitted with hearing aids.

Joy Victory, managing editor, Healthy Hearing

Joy Victory has extensive experience as an editor and digital strategist, with a focus on health information and medical research. She strives to make Healthy Hearing accessible and engaging to the public.
Read more about Joy.